The co-founder of a cult music magazine of the early 80s has stood by the authenticity of an article first published 35 years ago, in which Kate Bush, now revered worldwide as a singer and songwriter, recalled her days as a bullied schoolgirl “with hooligan instincts”.

Five years ago, the demise of the music industry seemed almost inevitable. Recession, rampant piracy, falling CD sales and a fear that “kids just don’t buy music any more” had giant record labels, once oozing wealth, counting the pennies.

The co-founder of a cult music magazine of the early 80s has stood by the authenticity of an article first published 35 years ago, in which Kate Bush, now revered worldwide as a singer and songwriter, recalled her days as a bullied schoolgirl “with hooligan instincts”.